Correspondence : Helen - stopover

MARGARET MITCHELL
Atlanta, Georgia
November 15, 1940
Dear Helen:
I know this letter may sound foolish to you, but I would rather sound foolish than rude.
I have just seen a clipping from the Athens Banner-Herald of November 10th, which stated that John and I were in Athens for a few hours and "had the opportunity of visiting with a number of Athens friends.” We were in Athens recently but, Heaven knows, it was not for "a few hours." We were returning from a trip to Virginia and in a rush to get back to Atlanta because important business matters had called us home. Weary and somewhat travelstained, we stopped at the Georgian to snatch a bite, which took us about fifteen minutes. We did not look up anyone in town.
I know how easy it is for newspapers to make errors, and they make them with the very best intentions. Unfortunately, such items as this have, in the past, caused me much embarrassment by making it appear that I have visited in some town (when I didn’t) and failed to telephone my friends there. I wouldn’t want you and Geoff or any of my Athens friends to think that I had been in your town and had not tried to get in touch with you. You know I have wanted so much to see your house and hear how you two were faring in the Classic City.
Perhaps you didn’t even see the newspaper article, but I would rather write this letter than have a misunderstanding arise between us.
Things have quieted down enormously for us in recent months. That is why we were able to have such a wonderful trip to Virginia. I hope things will continue quiet so we can get to Athens this spring for the Press Institute, and we hope to see you both then.
As ever,
[signed Peggy]

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MARGARET MITCHELL
Atlanta, Georgia
November 15, 1940
Dear Helen:
I know this letter may sound foolish to you, but I would rather sound foolish than rude.
I have just seen a clipping from the Athens Banner-Herald of November 10th, which stated that John and I were in Athens for a few hours and "had the opportunity of visiting with a number of Athens friends.” We were in Athens recently but, Heaven knows, it was not for "a few hours." We were returning from a trip to Virginia and in a rush to get back to Atlanta because important business matters had called us home. Weary and somewhat travelstained, we stopped at the Georgian to snatch a bite, which took us about fifteen minutes. We did not look up anyone in town.
I know how easy it is for newspapers to make errors, and they make them with the very best intentions. Unfortunately, such items as this have, in the past, caused me much embarrassment by making it appear that I have visited in some town (when I didn’t) and failed to telephone my friends there. I wouldn’t want you and Geoff or any of my Athens friends to think that I had been in your town and had not tried to get in touch with you. You know I have wanted so much to see your house and hear how you two were faring in the Classic City.
Perhaps you didn’t even see the newspaper article, but I would rather write this letter than have a misunderstanding arise between us.
Things have quieted down enormously for us in recent months. That is why we were able to have such a wonderful trip to Virginia. I hope things will continue quiet so we can get to Athens this spring for the Press Institute, and we hope to see you both then.
As ever,
[signed Peggy]

Description

Letter to a friend named Helen of Athens, GA dispelling a rumor printed in the Athens Banner Herald concerning their recent "stopover" in town. Type-written on personal stationary